40 Summer Flowers for a Stunning Backyard Oasis
Consider these easy-to-plant picks.
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Not only do fresh flowers look and smell beautiful, they also have special meanings. They can evoke emotion, inspire creativity and — best of all — even help to improve your health. "Nature has a huge impact on health and wellness," says Gwenn Fried, manager of Horticulture Therapy at NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation. "We know that people's cortisol levels go down in a calm, green environment."
So if you're looking to reap all the benefits of your garden this year, consider this roundup of the best summer flowers. Try popular picks like azaleas, daisies and geraniums or go for more unique options like striking portulaca or celosia. You'll find blooms in just about every color to brighten your garden — think perennials in shades of purple, pink, bright orange and yellow.
While you’re choosing your favorites, it’s also helpful to reference the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to make sure the flowers are a good fit for your climate. And be sure to check out our list of low-maintenance ground cover plants for shady areas and explore even more gardening tips to create the outdoor floral oasis of your dreams.
Celosia
Celosia flowers are truly one of a kind and are known for their wild-looking shapes and colors. While this vibrant bloom may look like it could be in a Dr. Seuss book, it should definitely be on your radar for the upcoming summer season. They thrive in heat and dry climates, have a long vase life and even help support the local ecosystem for our buzzing pollinators.
Peace Lilly
As its name suggests, the peace lily is a symbol of tranquility. Their elegant white flowers with glossy leaves shine in the sunlight, adding beauty to any garden. They require low to moderate light and will remain healthy as long as the soil is kept moist.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers, as the name implies, grow best in full sun. Although they're pretty trouble-free, they do require attention once planted. Make sure to protect seeds from birds with mesh bags or cheesecloth.
Anthuriums
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Anthuriums are tropical-looking flowers with heart-shaped leaves. Also known as flamingo flowers, they bloom for a long time in humid climates and add a pop of color to any garden space. They're also known for aiding in relaxation.
Azaleas
Azaleas represent femininity and passion. When they're in full bloom, it's hard not to stare. This vibrant flower flourishes from spring to late fall and spreads like wildfire in its peak. They also happen to attract hummingbirds with their bright pink color and funnel-shaped flowers.
RELATED: 18 Plants That Will Attract Hummingbirds to Your Home Garden
Sea Holly
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Sea holly can flourish with well-drained soil and full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight per day). Thanks to their long taproot, this striking perennial is drought-resistant. You can find them in pretty shades of blue, purple, white and silver.
Miniature Roses
Regular roses often get all the attention, but miniature varieties shouldn't be left in the shadows. Perfect for any indoor flower gardener, miniature roses have the same gorgeous bloom, but are meant for small spaces. They can bloom repeatedly with the proper care.
Daisies
It's hard not to love daisies. These easy-to-care for flowers bloom for months on end, adding a burst of bright white and yellow to any summer garden.
Delphiniums
This striking perennial enjoys full or partial sun, along with well-drained soil. With more than 300 varieties of the flower, some of which can grow up to 6 feet tall, you can choose from pretty shades of blue, purple, white and pink.
Coreopsis
Bring on the cheer with coreopsis, which favor consistent watering and well-drained, fertile soil. Place them in containers or beds and give them full sun or light shade. They tend to attract pollinators, like bees, too.
Globe Amaranth
Brighten any garden with this bold annual that you can find in a range of shades, from purple to white. Native to Central America, the globe-shaped flowers add visual appeal to garden beds, borders and even containers. They like full sun and a regular watering schedule.
Lantana
This hardy plant prefers full sun and water on a weekly basis once it's mature. You'll find them in a variety of colorful hues, including pink, yellow, red and orange.
Morning Glories
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Part of the Convolvulaceae family, morning glories are climbing vines that like full sun and moist soil that's well drained. Look no further than their bright, bold flowers to boost your garden's visual appeal.
Portulaca
With full sun and fertile soil that's well-drained (only water it when the soil is dry), this plant will flourish in your garden. They make beautiful ground covers and they're also suitable for containers. Pests don't tend to bother portulacas, but keep in mind that they're toxic to some pets, including cats and dogs.
Alliums
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Add a pop of color to your garden with this drought-tolerant flower. You'll find them in pretty shades of purple and white, making them a perfect addition to fresh bouquets. Aim for well-drained soil and full sun with this pick.
Calamint
Also known as Calamintha nepeta, calamint is perfect for those seeking an easy-to-care-for option. The fragrant plant enjoys light watering as well as full sun (if necessary, it can handle light shade as well).
Geraniums
Hang them in baskets or arrange them in beds or pots, and take in their beauty. Rely on fertile soil that's well-drained (don't overwater them) and full sun. This hardy option is also great at keeping diseases and pests at bay.
Dahlias
Grow the "dinnerplate" kind and the blooms can measure a whopping 12 inches in diameter. On the flipside, miniature "pom-pom" dahlias look just as cute as they sound.
Bacopas
This bacopa monnieri plant, also known as brahmi, is incredibly versatile — just take a look at its impressive edible properties and medicinal purposes. You'll find the jewel-like flowers in white, blue and lavender. And if you're hunting for a good container garden option, bacopas are gorgeous picks.
Asters
Here's a fast-growing perennial that prefers full sun or light shade. These blooms are native to North America and come in white, purple, blue or pink shades. Keep your asters happy with loamy, well-drained soil.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Tori Polizzotto Jones is a writer based in NYC, with a big heart and a passion for storytelling. Growing up in Brooklyn as a dancer, her creative roots have always run deep. After studying Fashion Media at LIM College, she found her way into writing, covering everything from beauty and lifestyle to home decor, food and entertainment. Tori’s work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Esquire, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Delish, where she brings her unique perspective and love for all things creative to every piece.
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